Hang in There, Ryan

This sucks...

From the Quakes website.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes infielder Ryan Leahy has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, The Salem News reported. Leahy, 25, who spent a portion of 2005 and most of 2006 with the Quakes, hit .260 with a homer and 41 RBI in 78 games this past season. The Salem, MA native and Boston College graduate has proven to be popular with fans through his fiery play on the diamond.

There are four forms of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. 91% of the cases of thyroid cancer are papillary and follicular, and are rarely fatal when diagnosed in individuals under the age of 45. In Ryan’s case, he has a cyst on his neck and two more inside his thyroid. Surgery will be performed in the near future to remove the growths.

There is a great chance that Leahy’s cancer will be able to be completely cured and a strong possibility that he will experience little to no cancer-related interruption to his baseball career. As of now, Leahy intends to report to spring training this March with other minor leaguers of the Los Angeles Angels’ organization. Please join the front office staff of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in wishing Ryan well, and rooting for his complete recovery. The Quakes have set up a special email: getwellryan@hotmail.com where Quakes fans can send Ryan their regards through his battle.